Baby, it's Cold

★ ★ ★ ★ ish!
Themes: holiday romance, friends to lovers, childhood friends, second-chance romance, HEA
Content Warnings: shitty parent, swearing

Alright, this novella was really freaking cute. Holiday romances are a genre I’ve never spent much time reading because I found the premise kinda cheesy. Baby, It’s Cold says nah to the cheese because it’s lactose intolerant and just makes a fun, funny, and terribly sweet second-chance romance between childhood friends who finally started dating just this year, but broke it off shortly after.

We don’t learn exactly what went down right away, and it leaves you feeling a will-they-won’t-they buzz for most of the book, but the HEA is totally satisfying and just a bit cheeky.

I’m not gonna say this is totally groundbreaking stuff. It’s certainly not. The holiday romance tropes are all here, but they’re here done quiet well. Baby, It’s Cold was such a quick read; just make your tea, get cozy for an hour, and enjoy!

It's Christmas Eve and a chef's son is cooking a romantic dinner for his best friend and ex-boyfriend, who is also a chef. It's such a cute set up and is executed wonderfully by Josh Lanyon. I prefer full length novels, but this 60 page novella/short story was adorable. I was immediately intrigued and the character development was remarkable for such a short story.

I wish there was more of Jess and Rocky!

Josh Lanyon can write a great short story. This is a good example.

Like no one else, he can create full-size characters on just few pages. Rocky and Jesse are proof of that. We meet them when Jesse appears on the doorstep of Rocky's house to cook him a delicious dinner for two and perhaps regain his heart. And all this during an extremely snowy Christmas.

Additional thanks for the author for the fact that he can make us like even those characters that we are unlikely to do - such as other participants in the race for Rocky’s heart.

This is a good short story, perfect for Christmas reading. It definitely warms the heart.

BABY, IT’S COLD is a little different from the previous stories I’ve read from this author as, for the first time, there’s no body or mystery to solve. Instead, it focuses on the aftermath of Jesse and Rocky’s break-up and a snowed in Christmas Eve.

It’s very short (just 60 pages, so easily readable in about an hour) but I thoroughly enjoyed the time and think it makes a memorable addition to Lanyon’s catalogue.

The compact length highlights Lanyon’s wonderful skill with characters. While there’s little time to give Jesse, Rocky or Louis complex backstories, all three felt like individuals, fleshed out and inspiring a connection with me as a reader. I loved the cooking scenes, both for Rocky and Jesse’s bickering, which was cute, and for the attention to mouth-watering detail. Together with some fun tropes—snowed-in isolation, competitive rivalry, and nursing someone through a cold–there were a lot of little sweet moments in this character piece.

I’d have perhaps liked it a little longer—as I say, the character’s spring to life, and I’d have liked more time with them. I’d also have enjoyed even more of the cooking and longer for both the trapped-but-cozy angle to play out. It would have given the romance more time to develop and really sparkle.

However, the story works completely as it stands, and it’s a lovely, quick read. For me, that feels perfect for this time of year, when I want something happy to squeeze into a few precious spare moments.

Josh Lanyon really knows how to write a short story.

This was a nice little read just after Christmas. It definitely gives off the cozy cabin feel, and I never thought I could be entertained while reading about someone cooking a meal. If you want a short holiday read, with good characterization despite the length, then this is a good read for you.

While in retrospect the ending was perfect and very neat, I found myself surprised by it. I swiped for the next page expecting more, but instead found it was finished. I definitely wanted more of the characters, and I was left with questions. Does Rocky go to New York? How do they work out their relationship? Does it stay worked out?

I would love to read more.

Baby, it's Cold by Josh Lanyon is a sweet little holiday novella. Rocky and Jesse were best friends until they tried to become more and it ruined everything. Jesse has a grand plan to make a surprise dinner for him on Christmas Eve in order to apologize and fix their friendship. But an uninvited guest, unexpected snow, and an unpleasant cold puts a wrench in his plans. Low steam, plenty of emotion, kitchen mishaps, and reconnecting left me with a smile on my face.

Josh Lanyon’s Baby, It’s Cold is a short, sweet Christmas romance that does what it’s supposed to do perfectly.
Set at a remote cabin at Big Bear, Baby, It’s Cold follows Jesse (a food writer) and Rocky (a celebrity chef) through the days around Christmas. Jesse has concocted a scheme to win back Rocky after their breakup, which Jesse instigated by accusing Rocky of cheating. The story includes some delicious descriptions of food, some beautiful writing typical of Lanyon’s work, and lots of good feels.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys a short, simple Christmas romance.

5 Stars

I am a huge fan of Josh's work so I was shocked that I missed this wonderful little nugget. The book was perfectly written with Josh's witty, and strong style. Even though the work is short, the characters are fleshed out, and there is a solid storyline.

I love Second Chance romances and this book delivered in spades. Rocky and Jesse have been friends forever. They tried being lovers and it just did not work out. Jesse is desperate for another chance but has a lot stacked against him. Fighting off the flu, a snowstorm, an unwanted suitor and serious misscommunication, can a Christmas miracle actually happen?

I highly recommend this tender, sweet, and captivating story of two men that are perfect for each other but are so proud they just may not be able to admit it. This story was so fantastic I immediately went out and bought the audio. Treat yourself to this little holiday novella, and you won't regret it. Special thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book for my reading pleasure.

As always Josh Lanyon has a way of writing that draws you into the story.
It starts with a fight between our protagonists, which makes you want to know what is going on, then you read that chemistry that they both have... I LIKED IT A LOT.

I enjoyed this romance, rooted for the characters, and found it gripping.
It's entertaining, poignant, and I loved the atmosphere and the setting.
Good storytelling and character development.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Josh Lanyon is the master of the short story. And Baby , it's Cold is the perfect sample of it.

Whenever I read a book by this author I am always left entertained.


I just reviewed Baby, it's Cold by Josh Lanyon. #BabyitsCold #NetGalley

If you are looking for something short but warm and fuzzy (and of course M/M), Baby, it's cold it's definitely your story. In this book Josh Lanyon doesn't spend many words on the description of the characters, but they appear round and whole (and they are so witty I found myself laughing out loud a few times) nonetheless, and the story is easy to read and very much enjoyable.
Baby, it's cold is the perfect short story if you're looking to spend an amusing couple of hours!

A wonderful holiday story from Josh Lanyon is always welcome. And one that's centered around food? Count me in. I liked getting to know Jess and Rocky and what was keeping them apart, and loved seeing them finally come together.